Letters to the editor: Need to take voting seriously; Accountability Matters

My name is Bill Knight, and I am writing to you in regards to the upcoming municipal election. While most of the attention is being focused on the mayoral race, as it is an open seat, it should be remembered that there are other offices up for election as well. While I urge all residents who are eligible on Nov. 5 to vote for the candidate of their choice.

On Tuesday, Nov. 5, I will be supporting Councilwoman Elinor Carbone for mayor. She is a native of Torrington, and she has served the city well. She was elected to the Board of Education in 2003, and after serving on it for one term she was elected to the City Council in 2007. It is because of her experience in city government that in my opinion makes best suited to become our next mayor.

As I said earlier, most of the attention is being focused on the mayoral race but elections are being held for Constables, Board of Education, Board of Public Safety, Board of Selectman, and the City Council. It’s my belief that the voters of Torrington should learn as much about these candidates for office as they can. While these boards might be as glamorous as the race for mayor, Those who serve greatly contribute to the running of our city. It’s my hope that the citizens of Torrington will take their responsibility to vote seriously, and cast their ballot on Nov. 5. Our democracy works only when those who are eligible to vote do so.

Bill Knight. Torrington

Thank you

The Northwest Corner Prevention Network appreciates the continued support of its Prescription Drug Take-Back event, held Oct. 26, in conjunction with the nation-wide Take Back. Some 20 pounds of prescription drugs and medications were collected at the coalition’s fifth event.

The Prevention Network extends its appreciation to Housatonic Valley Regional High School, Trooper Roy Dungan and Troop B, Silver Lake Conference Center, Tanya Hills, Anne Hughes and Heidi Kearns for their contributions to the Take Back.

The Take Back event helps to prevent potential abuse of prescription drugs and provides a confidential and safe means of disposal. The coalition appreciates the communities’ support of this event. Please watch for the date of the spring Take Back Day.

Lesly Ferris, Chairman, Northwest Corner Prevention Network

Accountability matters

Winsted faces a completely predictable and avoidable financial crisis. Winsted has millions in unpaid bills. Winsted will finish the year with millions in unpaid bills. The Perez, Closson and Renzullo plan is to continue to look the other way and hope the Town is not bankrupted by this tidal wave of unpaid bills.

We want to address our problem. Pay the bills and really move forward. That’s why we moved to have a Supplemental Tax – to pay the bills. Make no mistake, unpaid bills are not our only problem. Reduce, Restructure and Reinvest must become our mantra if we are to survive and thrive.

You have the opportunity to put Winsted on a better path with the election on Tuesday, Nov. 5. The Winsted Republican Board of Selectmen and Board of Education Candidates are committed to knowing the problems, fixing them and being held accountable. We recommend you vote for them.

In a similar vein, we recommend you vote No on the Charter Revision change eliminating the Water and Sewer Commission. This is a naked power grab on the part of the Democrats providing them with the ability to levy taxes with no input.

Fixing our problems is possible if we choose accountable leadership.

Kenneth J. Fracasso and Glenn Albanesius, Selectmen

Dear supporters

As many of you know, we lost a dedicated staff member last year, Joyce Reilly, who passed away last April. Joyce had such a big heart for kids in our area, especially when it came to running the holiday gift-giving program. Joyce collaborated with many of you for our holiday toy drive, and children who were in our local DCF’s case load were able to receive wonderful gifts of clothes and toys as a result. Because of the generosity on our community last year alone, Joyce coordinated gifts for over 700 children.

We would like to continue this program to help children who are experiencing hardships by offering them a gift from caring community members. If you are willing to participate in this year’s toy drive/giving program, please give me a call at 496-0356 ext. 7.

Thank you in advance for any help you can give, whether by taking a list of children’s names and their requests or by assisting with a donation. By working together we can ensure that Joyce’s legacy continues.